The words ‘Office Christmas Party' quite rightly fill most people with dread. Even if you’re lucky enough to work people you actually like, there’s a difference between a couple of pints after work on a Friday and a thee course sit-down dinner, drinks and dancing with the entire office.
Best deal with the facts up front: you will get drunk, you will say something shameful and you will wake up in the morning wondering if you were in fact sick on your boss or if that was a terrible nightmare.
Once you’ve accepted that, you’re more likely to relax and enjoy yourself and the only issue that remains is getting the right dress to carry out all of the above in. At least then you’ll be remembered as the girl from the 3rd floor in the amazing dress who puked, right?
Limited Collection Long Sleeve Mesh Bandeau Dress
£35, Marks and Spencer
If you don’t want to bare all in front of your colleagues but still want to look party-appropriate then opting for something with this season’s mesh detailing could be the answer. This long sleeved number from good old M&S offers a hint of what lies beneath but without the risk of revealing all to your boss when you lean over for another breadstick. It also has my favourite kind of fastening of all, the exposed zip. Lordy I love them.
Bandeau Peplum Dress
£45, Topshop
A little black dress is always good, but if you’re after something a little more, ahem, eye-popping, this fuchsia number from Toppers will undoubtedly make you stand out in a crowd. Complete with peplum, it’s a decidedly 80s affair but wear it with black tights and some chunky shoes and you’ll avoid looking like you’re in fancy dress. Of course, if you do love the 80s (me the fuck too) wear with a big bow on your hand and spotty opaque tights and you’re all set.
Green Floral Bow Back Dress
£25, Dorothy Perkins
For something a little more relaxed, this long sleeved jersey frock ticks all the right boxes. Power shoulders as a nod to this season’s biggest trend, gorgeous festive print and the perfect canvas to be dressed up or down. Wear it with bog standard tights and heels for a stylish but subtle post-work drink or pile on the gold jewellery and your biggest, shiniest shoes for a more glam event.
Black Polka Dot Prom Dress
£45, Miss Selfridge
If you want to go all out and get a proper party frock, this polka dot frou-frou confection should do the trick. The flatter-all prom dress shape, the work-appropriate length, the frills, the bow – how can you go wrong? Unlike some other outfits, this is one you probably won’t be able to get away with wearing to work (unless you work somewhere awesome) so be prepared for a quick toilet change (remember to bring a strapless bra!) and prepare to razzle dazzle.
Huge Bow Bandeau Dress
£38, ASOS
Black tie ‘dos are supposed to be out of fashion this year, what with the ol’ recession, but if your office has decided to splash the cash and treat you to a swanky affair, choosing a dress can be even more difficult. I don’t think black tie has to be mean floor-length and boring, so here’s a cute little number that will undoubtedly result in everyone telling you that they’d like to find you in their stocking/other present related puns. Worth it to look fantastic though!
Purple Pleated 1 Shoulder Dress
Now £30, Wallis
The main reason I love this dress is because you fill yourself with food until you can’t waddle any further and no-one need to know. You don’t need Spanx with this flattering, billowing number. And it’s not like you’re wearing a muumuu, the elegant colour, sexy one shoulder and frilly little corsage means that you’ll look just as posh as everyone else, but with none of the discomfort of a waist band. Win!
And if you’re not a dress wearer, fret not. Check back later this week for non-frock party options!